Know Your Hair Type :
A Step-by-Step Guide For Everything You Need to Know to Care for Your Hair
Do you ever feel like you're using all the right products, but your hair still isn't looking its best? It might be because you're not using the right products for your hair type. Identifying your hair type is the first step to achieving the gorgeous, healthy hair you've always wanted. In this guide, we'll show you how to determine your hair type and the best products to use for each type.
Step 1 : Determining Hair Type By Diameter
The first step in determining your hair type by diameter is to take one strand of your hair and lay it on a table.
Then compare the diameter of your hair with other objects, such as a piece of sewing thread or a coin.
Fine hair
- Small diameter (i.e difficult to see or feel)
- Usually thinner than a sewing thread
- Delicate, Prone to damage, getting oily
Coarse hair
- Larger diameter, appears thick & textured
- Usually thicker than a sewing thread
- Prone to dryness and frizz
Medium hair
- Between fine & coarse hair
- Usually same thickness as a sewing thread
- Most common hair type
Step 2: Determine Your Hair Porosity
The next step is to determine your hair porosity, which refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. To determine your hair porosity, take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water.
Step 3: Determine Your Hair Elasticity
Elasticity refers to your hair's ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.
This is an important factor in determining your hair type and can help you select the appropriate products and treatments to maintain healthy hair.
High Elasticity
- Stretches easily without breaking
- Bounces back into shape quickly
- Tends to be curly or wavy
Normal Elasticity
- Stretches without breaking
- Bounces back into shape naturally
- Holds styles well
Low Elasticity
- Does not stretch easily
- Struggles to hold styles
- Often feels dry and brittle
Step 4: Determine Your Hair Shape
To determine your hair shape, wash and condition your hair as usual and let it air dry without any styling products. Observe the shape and texture of your hair to determine if it is straight, wavy, curly or coily.
Straight
- Smooth and shiny
- Lacks volume & texture
- Prone to oiliness
- Easy to manage and style
Waivy
- S-shaped pattern
- Can be fine or coarse
- Prone to frizz & tangling
- Has more body than straight hair
Curly
- Ringlet or spiral pattern
- Fragile, prone to breakage
- Prone to dryness & frizz
- Requires moisture and careful styling
Coily
- Tight, zigzag pattern
- Very dry and fragile
- Prone to shrinkage
- Requires careful detangling & deep conditioning
Step 5: Determine Your Scalp Moisture Level
Determining the oiliness or moisture level of your scalp is essential in understanding how to care for your hair properly. Here are the steps to establish the oiliness or moisture level of your scalp:
- Before bedtime, wash your hair and allow hair to air dry.
- Next day, check for oil residue by pressing a tissue against the roots at the crown of your head.
Dry hair
- Hair appears dull, rough and frizzy
- Scalp feels tight and itchy
- Prone to breakage and split ends
- Needs moisture-rich products
Oily hair
- Hair looks greasy and limp
- Scalp feels oily and itchy
- Prone to buildup and dandruff
- Needs lightweight, clarifying products
Normal hair
- Hair is shiny, smooth and manageable
- Scalp is balanced, not too oily / too dry
- Minimal hair fall and breakage
- Needs gentle cleansing and conditioning
Combination hair
- Oily roots, dry ends
- Ends may be prone to breakage
- Use lightweight products on roots
- Moisturize ends with heavier products
Dehydrated hair
- Lack of moisture
- May feel rough or brittle
- Prone to split ends and breakage
- Use gentle, hydrating products
Hydrated hair
- Moisture-balanced scalp and strands
- Hair is soft and smooth
- More resilient to damage
- Use gentle cleansing & hydrating products
Mastering Your Hair Type - The Conclusion
Now that you know your hair type, it's important to use the right products and techniques to care for your hair. With the right care, you can keep your hair healthy, strong, and beautiful. If you need help finding the right products for your hair type, check out our personalized hair care quiz.
